The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. — Proverbs 8:13

When we have a profound and reverent respect for our holy God, we will love what he loves and despise what he despises. However, we must recognize that the word “hate” is used very carefully in the Bible. This strong verb is rarely used, and when it is used with God as the subject, it is important to note the target of God’s hatred. God abhors evil, which in this context includes pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and foul language. Not only do Christians avoid these things, but they also abhor them. God desires for his people to be people of integrity, characterized by modesty, moral behavior, and helpful speech.

 

Thought

When we have a profound and reverent respect for our holy God, we will love what he loves and despise what he despises. However, we must recognize that the word “hate” is used very carefully in the Bible. This strong verb is rarely used, and when it is used with God as the subject, it is important to note the target of God’s hatred. God abhors evil, which in this context includes pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and foul language. Not only do Christians avoid these things, but they also abhor them. God desires for his people to be people of integrity, characterized by modesty, moral behavior, and helpful speech.

 

Prayer

O holy and righteous Father, pardon my arrogance and selfishness. Please forgive my arrogance and dishonesty. Make me holy in word and deed, compassionate toward those in need, and free from evil by the power of your Spirit. To you, O LORD, be glory forever and ever in my life and in your Church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.